Cowboys Midweek Storylines
by Dave Halprin on Aug 26, 2009 5:00 AM CDT
Email
PrintLet's catch up on some issues surrounding the Dallas Cowboys as they head into this week's preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. San Fran, by they way, are represented on SB Nation by an outstanding blog, Niners Nation.
We'll cut to the chase about the Videodrome controversy. Jerry still says it should be fine even if a few punts hit the board throughout the season. The NFL isn't so sure and the competition committee has forwarded recommendations to Roger Goodell.
A league spokesman confirmed that the committee forwarded its recommendations to NFL staff on how to address the issue. Those recommendations have been passed along to Roger Goodell. The commissioner has the power to rule on the matter since the season is under way, and he does not have to run his resolution by the league's Board of Governors.
We supposedly will hear something from the NFL this week. Meanwhile, 49ers punter Andy Lee claims he won't try to hit the video board. But the Niners placekicker says: "Don't lie. You want to break it," kicker Joe Nedney yelled, eavesdropping on Lee's testimony.
More stuff below...
Next up, Tony Romo, who for some reason decided to talk about everything to the press this week. You can read about it here, or view the interview here. Sure he talks about his maturation as a QB, how he's not content and wants to get better - all that good stuff we want to hear.
None of that was the important thing. Nope, the following quote is the money quote and it came out of Romo's own mouth.
"Until we do something that people want to be really proud of, they are going to say [I'm underperforming]," Romo said. "They deserve that right. That is part of being a fan.
"I'm that way when I watch other sports. 'Oh what is he doing? Why did he do that? Why did he make that decision?' I'm not naive to that. I understand. It's not going to stop me from working and trying to get better the next time."
Holy crap! Romo just gave us all permission here at BTB to be critical of him. So, if you've ever been labeled a "hater" or the like in the comments because you criticized something about Romo - don't sweat it! Old #9 himself says you have permission to blast away. (This thread should be interesting!)
This article over at DC.com came out on Monday and does a good job of covering a situation that has me a little worried. Backup depth at OLB. It's not like we had a lot going into camp once we dumped perennial whiner Greg Ellis, but now with Brandon Williams out, we're having to do some shuffling. I wrote a few days ago that I didn't think they would use Carpenter out there, and Wade confirms they won't.
Carpenter has played outside 'backer off and on during his Cowboys career, but Phillips said Monday he wouldn't move him back to the edge now that he seems to be making real strides inside and on sub-packages.
The guy I kind of forgot about as a swingman between ILB and OLB was Matt Stewart. The Cowboys might use him in that capacity. Also, with Williams out they've had to move Victor Butler over to the strong-side with Steve Octavien filling in on the weak-side. That's putting a lot on the rookie.
Moving Butler to the strong side forces him to learn a new position, taking on more responsibility in both the running game and pass coverage, whereas previously he would have been focused on rushing the passer, his specialty coming out of Oregon State.
A couple of minor injuries kept two guys out of practice on Tuesday.
Defensive end Marcus Spears and receiver Sam Hurd were held out of Tuesday’s practice for precautionary measures. Spears has a bruised knee and likely will practice today, coach Wade Phillips said. Hurd felt general soreness.
On a serious note, Rich Behm and Joe DeCamillis have sued the maker of the Cowboys practice facility that collapsed.
The Canadian company responsible for building the Dallas Cowboys practice facility conspired with a Las Vegas consulting firm to cover up the giant tentlike structure's design flaws, two team employees alleged in lawsuits Tuesday. Rich Behm, a scouting aide, and Joe DeCamillis, the special teams coach, were the two most seriously injured when the 6-year-old facility collapsed May 2 and are the first to sue.
And for some unknown reason, Roy Williams continues to battle it out with the press. Give it up RW, it never works out, they never listen.
188 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Why are you awake this early/late?????
by ChrisRichey on Aug 26, 2009 5:41 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Oh yeah, first :)
Time to get some sleep man!
by ChrisRichey on Aug 26, 2009 5:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Don't sweat it Roy.
As long as you play like you did in last week’s game you will be just fine. I’m really liking thiis idea of spreading it out. The #1 receiver doesn’t necessarily need to step it up, but the whole receiving Corp. That goes for you Stanback, Hurd, Bennett, etc.
by JoeWho on Aug 26, 2009 5:48 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Agreed.
I think it’ll cut down on turnovers as well.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 26, 2009 5:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
I don’t get the detractors. RW barely sets foot in Dallas and suddenly he forgets how to lay WR. It’s pretty crazy.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
He brought a lot of baggage with him
There were a lot of people around the league who had questions about RW before he got to Dallas. I think that made Dallas fans a little queesy (sp?). He was also pretty well known “around these parts” because of being a UT guy, strong opinions from both directions. He was never just another guy coming in to join the team.
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions
I think it had more to do with his lack of productivity
but I guess that could be blamed on someone else too
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe I'm out of the loop
because the Army took me away from Texas for so long. But his league-wide rep was really good and then suddenly he had a bird brain and stone hands when Jerry traded for him. Kwinkidink? Maybe.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
You may be right, but I thought I remember a lot of criticism of him long before he was a Cowboy
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Like most things
it’s probably somewhere in the middle.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Hope Spencer has brought his lunch pail
He needs to stay healthy, and show why he was a 1st round pick. Butler looks alright as a pass rush specialist, but that is all so far. Besides his ST play.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
Agree
I hope Spencer can stay healthy, he’s looked really good to me in the games.
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Just goes to show us that Wade is right:
In a 3-4, one can never have enough linebackers. With all the ones we’ve drafted and brought in since he’s been here, we’re worried how to replace a rookie who just replaced an old complaining vet.
I do think that the guys there are capable of filling in for BWilly. Justin Rogers, although he’s not exciting, has been a guys who’s stuck around on the roster, has experience. Butler can get reps on both sides of the D now. MStewart has a chance to prove that he’s even versatile enuff to play outside, inside, ST, backup LS. Octavien’s got game as of late and has potential.
That’s 4 viable options.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully one of them will take.
Wasn’t Butler the guy who made his family run plays with him in a parking lot because he had to miss OTA’s? The kids got initiative, maybe he’s a quick study, too.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
Yeah that was him
And so far I am pretty impressed with the guy. He’s got the desire to be the best he can and learn his position entirely and that is a trait a lot of players don’t seem to be emphasizing enough lately.
When you say Matt Stewart...
….you’re referring to the same Matt Stewart who has been out of football for 2 years, yes?
I think we are stretching the term “viable” in our description of these options.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
And how much more viable was a rookie 4th rounder?
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the offer, Dave
but I just don’t have anything bad to say about Romo. Rather, I’m thankful we have him. One of these days, ( I hope soon ) this kid is going to torch the league for an entire season, and win us the hardware for a sixth time. Oh, he’ll have help from people like DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten, the Barbarian, some gifted CBs, and one Felix ‘the Cat’ Jones. It will happen when this massive, filthy rich, offensive line makes up their mind that they are capable of mowing down any defense in the land.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
Dunk, your wisdom shines through ... ROMO IS GREAT!!!
Anyone that thinks the Cowboys can do better than Romo … well… they’re just wrong.
Basically, Terry is the voice of reason on this subject. (now if that doesn’t stir the pot… :)
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
off topic, but ...
Just had to say … in the middle of Thailand I’m off to have a MASSIVE STEAK at a friend’s place. He’s grilling for a few local Americans that have been craving a little o’ Texas !!!
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Is this like
a monkey steak or real, honest-to-God beef??
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Benihana in Pattaya
Had honest-to-god Kobe beef. The chef had the nerve to slice the fat off and ask me if I wanted it. Hmm… Lets see… Delicious fat from a cow that spent its life drinking beer and getting massages… Even though it was fried and not chargrilled, it was amazing.
Asia is the only place outside the US where one can get a good steak, IMO thanks to the Japanese and Koreans. You are much more likely to get a mystery meat steak in Europe.
by JimmyJohnson on Aug 26, 2009 8:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Tuscany
has phenomenal steaks
So pardon my disposition; why should I listen to a system that never listened to me?
The Man is Right
Ain’t nothin like a good Florentine steak; however, the vast majority of European beef is better used as dental floss. Here’s lookin at you France.
by Dansonofdirm on Aug 26, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Hum not sure you've ever been to france
anytime you want some good beef meat, come and visit. i’ll be happy to prove you wrong :-) now if you like your meat burned (well done) like most american do, then you may be right, france is not the place for you Lol
I don't think that's true any more
it was at one point, but well-done is certainly not the standard here now. I would say it’s “medium”.
I’ve enjoyed steaks in France, but most especially the sauces.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Medium Rare is where it is at...
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Aug 26, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Toulouse steak was kinda tough
compared to Kansas beef and shoe leather compared to Texas Prime. Although, Le Entrecote had a wonderful pond scum looking topping poured over theirs.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
Ain't nothing better than USDA A1 Prime!
and you don’t have to leave the countryto get it!
Oh, by the way, whats the deal with Cold Soup?
Thats just wrong!
it's a spanish dish.
as for myself, hot or cold, i am not a soup fan (except for the Seinfeld one’s)
Vichyssoise (vishiswa) is Spanish
I wouldn’t claim it either
We're talking 1 inch Rib-eye... and it was divine :)
On the grill… with a guy that knows that Medium Rare is closer to rare than it is to medium.
I’m even loving my burps right now.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Bangkok
Back in another lifetime, there was a place called the Kobe Steakhouse on Sathorn Road in Bangkok. Mighty fine. Don’t know if it is still around.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Nick's Number One
was the name of the place, but Kobe steak was the speciality.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
South America
Produces steaks that rival the U.S. Beef. Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Venezuela all make steaks that will knock you out!
A
by Gmunny on Aug 27, 2009 9:22 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Like the Argentinians, Australians pride themselves on some of the best grazing lands...
It’s hard to beat Argentinian steak. Individual farmers in the states are in their league, but most of the “extras” in most US Beef doesn’t help the flavor.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
We marinade our steaks in steroids and antibiotics!
It produces bigger stronger people! Obviously, we were to poor to eat beef at my house when I was a child!
did i mention the beautiful steak I had for dinner last night?
1-inch thick Rib-eye … mmmmm
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
You know my favorite is accually the Prime Rib
But, I’m very, very picky about were I get it. Done right it can not be beat for tenderness, moistness and flavor, done incorrectly, its just raw meat or pot roast!
[ Hat tip]
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
lol @ your signature
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Romo probably made those comments because he's embarrassed by some posters here
I’ve always thought he could handle the criticism better than some people here. If he ever reads this blog he must feel like a little kid on the playground who’s mother follows him around making sure all the other kids leave him alone. Any comment that compliments another QB or in anyway doesn’t compliment him brings 10 knee jerk responses. It’s really kind of comical and I’m glad to see he’s more grown up than that.
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 8:01 AM CDT reply actions
you couldn't be more wrong
If you notice Romo references criticisms that are football related, not the off the field nonsense that a lot of fans complain about.
In Romo we Trust
That's not accurate at all Terry
It would be very easy to find hundreds of examples pretty quick. I’m not going to waste my time doing it just like I’m not going to try to prove the sun is shining outdoors today. It’s just obvious for anyone who wants to look You’re comment is completely off base.
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions
And that doesn't surprise me at all
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Stillhate
you truly are a very wise person
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 26, 2009 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions
RomoCop returns!
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions
One way or another, you're coming with me.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
Terry
Are ya with me now?…….take a deep breath…release…..count backwards from ten….. now enjoy the picture!
Superbowl, or BUST.
Tony Romo
is off to a great start this year. He has quit the tabloid celebrity scene to focus on football. I applaud his intensity.
He has also shown that he is mature enough to know that justified criticism does not a “hater” make, even if some of his groupies can’t figure it out.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Agreed
I’ve never once heard him whine about the criticism. I guess he understands the lights are a little brighter and the expectations a little higher if you’re the Dallas Cowboys starting QB.
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions
He is really level-headed from what I've seen.
Doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Romo has always been out of the tabloid scene once camp started.
From July through the end of the season, whenever that may be, Romo is all about football 24/7.
During the off season, he has the right to do whatever he likes, just like any other player in the league.
In Romo we Trust
Wasn't Cancun
it was Cabo.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Carp's parents were out of town.
They had to take advantage of that!
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd say if tony were in Cancun with Jessica simpson and you could play with a ball
or Jessica, if he didn’t choose the right one he’s a retard. You figure out which one is the right one.
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 26, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
You can try to spend 24 hours with Jessica...
… You can also FAIL.
Her head seems to be filled of hot air… And the day has 24 hours…
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
why not both
Football during the day and Jessica at night, it’s not rocket science.
In Romo we Trust
Clearly
you’ve never been with a woman before,
No woman is going to let you have time for something you enjoy if its not involving her.
Only if he was throwing the ball to her would that work.
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 26, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe so, but there is more than a grain of truth in that.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Romo
has had the same problem.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Having been a critic of Romo...
he looks much more focused this year and we have to give the guy a chance. Seems to me a lot of great quarterbacks were in similar situations and, then one year they get the ring and, in one game, they go from “he can’t win the big one” to “he’s a first ballot HOFer”. As we all know, a lot of things have to fall into place to get into the winner’s circle (injuries, scheduling, funny bounces, bad penalties, slick balls, etc), and all you can really do is make sure you have the pieces in place. If lady luck smiles (or even grins) on the ’boys this, we gots those pieces – and that QB to take us to the promised land.
"The Most Dangerous Man in the world is the one with nothing to lose"
by SaratogaRacing on Aug 26, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think it's so much focused as more experienced
The guy has only played 2 and half seasons, thats not a lot of experience for an NFL qb. As I’ve said all along, Romo will get better each year and the best is certainly yet to come.
In Romo we Trust
There's a pretty good article
on Romo and experience. He talks about how much better a feel he has for reads and what is going on during games. Interesting.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
It makes a lot more sense than
than trying desperately to divine extrapolate something from Cabogate and the Family Feud with TO.
Imagine that… people talking about football solutions to football problems. What a world that would be…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
divine / extrapolate
but why worry about my typing now…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I hope you are right...
I’d love to see us get in the playoffs…then, during the off week before the Super Bowl see Romo head down to Cabo for a few relaxing days of golf and drinks again with Witten, Carpenter, Redball, and Wade (okay, throw Lindsey Lohan in) only to come back this time to throw six TDs and win it all.
"The Most Dangerous Man in the world is the one with nothing to lose"
by SaratogaRacing on Aug 26, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Most importantly, he's sporting a rough "day-game beard!"
Have you caught that?
He’s trying to at least look more footbally.
no, that’s not a word
by Realist Larry on Aug 26, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah, my two teenage sons were rolling in the floor.....
laughing at Romo’s moustache against Oakland. They thought “for some reason” that he looked hilarious. Remember, they are teenagers. They thought he was trying to grow a moustache. Related somewhat to that, I turned on the news tonight and Colt McCoy has a scruffy looking moustache too. Is that the new look for QB’[s because I heard that Taylor Pott’s(Tech’s new QB) is sporting a handlebar one?
Every punter
in the league (except McBriar) will be trying to hit the Big TV. Count on it.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
I wonder how much McBriar will get fined if he hits it
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Or if he doesn't back Jerry 100% that it is high enough
by JimmyJohnson on Aug 26, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Romo needs to check with Terry before saying things like this.
Give him a call and straighten him out, man!
Dave-"a little worried"?
As you would say, Holy Crap! We’re running a 3-4 and we have squat behind Ware/Spencer. This was why I didn’t understand letting Ellis go, he’d be a good piece in reserve one more year.
Here’s hoping for a waiver wire savior , because you know those guys are going to miss some time sooner or later. If Spencer or Ware goes down for an extended time, I wonder if we just don’t modify to a sort of 4-3 look.
Spag. also had a great article about the running game and what he calls ’efficiency."
Shows how stats can be misleading if averages are good but you have too many wasted runs.
Wow, 2 decent articles over there!
In 2006 what did Parcells had behind Ware and Ellis?
Bobby Carpenter and Al Singleton? And with Ellis going down what else did they had?
At least today’s backups seem to be true 3-4 OLBs… And much better pass rushers.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Singleton was old but at least he had experience
we have almost literally no one.
Untested rookies who’ve never even played the position!
It’s pretty key to have good LB’s in a 3-4. They’re the ones that really make the plays.
by Realist Larry on Aug 26, 2009 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Singleton was...
… Akin Ayodele at OLB. He was nothing to talk about.
I actually understand your point, I’m only stating my belief that they’re in no worse shape than how they were in 2005, 2006 and 2007 (Spencer was also rookie and the only true 3-4 OLB backup, with Ellis coming back from his achilles injury).
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
yeah, they were both the definition of mediocre
but wouldn’t lose a game for you.
Can you picture one of these 4th round draft picks of ours out there in a reg. season game? They’d go at him all day and eat him up.
Oh well, hopefully this won’t be an issue!
by Realist Larry on Aug 26, 2009 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I think it probably our weakest spot right now
It’s not a question of “if” but “how much” these guys will play. The 3-4 takes a toll on linebackers, you cannot expect anyone to play every snap. Which means you’ll be seeing Butler or Williams or whoever coming in for certain packages. Hopefully Wade knows how to scheme to minimize their weaknesses and max their strengths.
But I’m sure we’re in for some growing pains with such little depth at such a key position.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Larry, I think you have LB/3-4 fixation.
I think we are in good shape overall. The league is going 3-4 more and more. Is there anywhere on this roster that we can lose 2 starters at the same position and not feel a major impact. What if 2 DEs, 2Gs, 2ILB, or 2 safeties go down. It doesnt matter were screwed.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
You bet I do! I think like cornerback, you have to be 3-deep at OLB
to run a 3-4. Guys need rests, and someone may have to start in case of injury.
To be clear, I’m only fixating on a situation where we lose just ONE OLB. " If Spencer or Ware goes down for an extended time," I said.
Of course if we lost both Ware and Spencer, there’d be no way to prepare for that. But what if we lost just one of them for a stretch of games? Wow-who’d play?
As I said, though, we DO have good backups on the D-Line. I honestly believe Hatcher or Bowen would start w/Ratliff and Spears, and we’d go with 3 LB’s. You couldn’t put one of those rookies out there for long.
And the waiver wire may provide an Al Singleton type of guy who’d be serviceable for a year.
by Realist Larry on Aug 26, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know that switching to a 4-3 helps you
After all, you still need two pass-rushing defensive ends, and Ware and Spencer are the only guys who can play those spots at a high level. We are left with the same problem.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Hatcher, Bowen are much closer to starting material
and could fill in better than the rookies we have at OLB, if we lost an OLB
by Realist Larry on Aug 26, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Bowen is a DT, not a DE, in a 4-3 front
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Octavien Looked Good
But I only noticed him against Tennessee. Who knows?
by Dansonofdirm on Aug 26, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
He did look decent
but it was preseason and he’s got no experience.
by Realist Larry on Aug 26, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Heard this morning that it would cost
2 million to raise it. If so the NFL should pay for it. It does sound like it will have to be raised at least 25 feet. The issue will be who is going to pay for it. Jerry did his part, the NFL screwed up so they should be liable.
absolutely
If the league told him 85 feet was the rule and he abided by it, the NFL has to pay for it if they want to change the rule all of a sudden.
I personally think that scoreboard at 90 feet will only get hit once or maybe twice in the regular or post season games.
It’s much to do about nothing.
In Romo we Trust
agreed
if it were the Miami Dolphins new scoreboard …. it wouldn’t be this big of a deal.
Sugar ... water .... and, of course, purple.
It gives the mediots
and haters something to talk about. I know it’s killing them that the Boys have looked good to this point. They are just waiting in the weeds.
by Road Warrior on Aug 26, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
thats what its going to cost a left wing band from europe to raise it!
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 26, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
It would cost
a right wing country singer the same amount.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
I know,I know
I just miss Donny so much I had to throw the political slant out there, please do not make this a political thread, please, please, please!
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 26, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Where did he ever go?
He was almost unmatched
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Is anybody else concerned that the primary swingman backup listed in Dave's post is Matt Stewart?
Stewart’s been out of football since 2006, no? We pretty much unanimously agreed he would not make the final roster when he was signed.
Has he shown something in camp and the preseason games that I am not aware of? I am legitimately asking…someone tell me if there have been some promising signs from him.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Butler
i knew there was someone else, Maybe Buehler can play outside linebacker too!
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 26, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
By swingman, I mean able to play inside and outside
It indicates above that Butler will be trying SOLB, not WLB, but I’ve never seen any indication that he would be playing inside.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Butler can't play inside.
He’s converting from college DE.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I would think so.
A friend of mine told me he was a tackling machine in college. Don’t know which LB position he played there.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, Octavion was getting second string reps right?
Stewart came into the game late against Tenn, and thats a bad thing.
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 26, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
a bad thing for Stewart,
I think it’s probably a good thing for us.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
I don't see the word "primary" anywhere.
Justin Rogers has been serviceable as a backup. There are a ton of LBs on this roster. I don’t see losing B.Williams as being a huge worry at all.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 26, 2009 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Proctor is toast
Looks like the Cowboys might have found their backup center. The team is expected to bring in veteran Duke Preston, an experienced backup center who spent the last four years in Buffalo, where he started 20 games, including 11 last year.
Preston signed with the Packers in March but was released on Tuesday. He also has some experience at both guard and tackle, possibly adding some versatility that Cory Procter and Montrae Holland apparently cannot.
Of course, the Cowboys have not officially signed Preston, who will likely have to pass a physical. And remember, there’s always a reason, or three, why a player is on the street. But if he can provide some depth at a few positions, particularly center behind Andre Gurode, that would be a huge boost to the line.
scounting report on Preston
Preston has seen more time as a starter in 2008 as a center and offensive guard. He has excellent size, strength and athleticism for an interior offensive lineman. He has natural power to anchor in the middle of the line as well as enough strength to get movement on double teams and power zone-blocking schemes in the running game. Preston is limited in space to connect with targets on the second level, but he’s a solid technician who understands angles and combination-blocking schemes. He uses his hands well to gain leverage and does a nice job to lock on and stay connected, once engaged. He appears to have a good feel for the game and reacts well to stunts and twists. He was more aggressive in 2008 and is a versatile player who has value giving depth along the offensive line, but he’s shown he can also be an effective starter.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?playerId=8536
In Romo we Trust
I just wandered over to buffalorumblings website
They seemed to have disliked Preston much like we dislike Proctor. Doh!
“one position that gets that distinction is center, where the (now departed) combination of Melvin Fowler and Duke Preston – known as “Melduke Prestfowsuck” in these parts – was consistently dreadful. For all of the positive that both of those players brought to the club, they were consistently overwhelmed at the point of attack, which hampered the offense on the whole."
more on preston
posted these in your fanshot but for those reading in this thread…
wonder why the packers released him. but this post at Acme Packing Co. talks about it…
After RG Josh Sitton beat out C Scott Wells for the starting job on Monday, Bob McGinn speculated that the Green Bay Packers might trade Wells because they have C Duke Preston available as a backup. On Tuesday, they released Preston, so I guess that means Wells isn’t going anywhere.
So it sounds like it was that there was anything wrong with Preston, just that they have a solid backup in Wells, who was fighting for a starting job, so they don’t need Preston now.
and then there’s this, from the analysis of the Packers-Bills game last week
Buffalo’s O-line wasn’t good last season and they jettisoned three starters, including current Packer C Duke Preston, from that group. They’re rebuilding their line, and it’s just not ready.
Getting cut from the Bills for being part of a not good line isn’t great, but that doesn’t mean he still couldn’t be an upgrade in the backup position over Proctor.
If he's even 1/2 as bad as advertised...
What does that say about the Cowboy’s faith in Proctor?
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Preston signed
The Cowboys have agreed to a one-year deal with center Duke Preston on Wednesday.
Preston, 6-5, 320 pounds, was cut by Green Bay on Tuesday after signing with the Packers in March. He started 11 of 15 games for Buffalo in 2008. He is expected to arrive in town tonight and take a physical Thursday.
He will compete with Cory Procter to be the backup behind Andre Gurode. Procter served as the primary backup at center and guard in 2008. On Wednesday coach Wade Phillips all but ruled out backup guard Montrae Holland playing center after Holland struggled with snaps during training camp.
“I know he can play guard,” Phillips said. “We’ll keep working on that. If we feel strong about it, we’ll put him in a game [at center].”
I read that breakdown on Buffalo Rumblings
It was not flattering at all. It wasn’t sour grapes either as it was written prior to his release; a well written piece by a regular who grades out the O-Line play.
Check it out here.
All that said, he can’t be any worse than Procter. Backup C/G position upgraded!
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Aug 26, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I still think it's an upgrade
That writer is really good. Teams can probably use blog posts like his for scouting purposes. But I’d still rather have this guy than Proctor.
“Think about that for a moment. Preston was beaten on more than one third of all running plays. He personally killed about one out of every 14 run plays.”
Let’s compare that to Proctor (unscientifically). He was targeted by opposing defenses and beaten on about 80% of his plays. He was killed (3 yards in the backfield) on one out of every 3 plays I saw.
by JimmyJohnson on Aug 26, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions
We beat down on him(Proctor) but they say he graded out well on running plays.
It was pass blocking he was miserable at.
Good grades or not, I didnt like what I saw.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Plus he stunk it up
at center against Titans. When everybody moves except the center, guess who screwed up.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
fair point squidlo
Proctor’s become BTBs lightening rod, and he deserves it to a degree, but it’s good to add some balance.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
He upgrades his grade in the comments of that post.
He made a mistake in his pass blocking calculations and raised his grade like 4% in that area in the comments. That is a pretty big difference on that scale, and shows him to be a decent backup.
by Baked Potato Soup on Aug 27, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Yada, yada, yada.......and this guy is who? he was looking at what?
and on every play graded he was on the field one on one with a defensive linemen or LB right.
I don’t have a lot faith in anybodies grade system or evaluation, except maybe the Homers on this blog because we know we are all football experts; However, he is focused on the bills and he watches way more than we do, poor him; But anyway, football is a living, fluid game and many factors come together to make up a positive and negative play.
While I would say this guy is not Stepnoski, he probably isn’t Proctor either.
draft profile
Duke Preston Grade: 3.29
Position: C
Class: Sr
School: Illinois
Conference: Big Ten
Ht., Wt.: 6-5, 311
40 Time: 5.44
Selected by: Buffalo Bills
Round 4, pick 21 (122 overall) Grading System
BIO: Three-year starter voted honorable mention All-Conference last season.
POSITIVES: Excellent position blocker with outstanding football intangibles. Explosive off the snap, blocks with a nasty attitude and very active. Quarterbacks the line well, helps out teammates and fights throughout the play. Sets with a wide base, seals defenders from the action, and keeps his feet moving throughout the play.
NEGATIVES: Not a dominant or powerful center who opens up the middle of the field. Lacks footwork in space and overall blocking range.
ANALYSIS: A marginal athlete with adequate size and poor speed, Preston makes up for his physical shortcomings with a great understanding of the game. Offers some growth potential and could very easily backup at several positions for an NFL squad.
PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent
Procotor was UDFA also wasn't he?
maybe its a step up from really bad to not so good?
If he plays
with our 1’s, he will be snapping the ball to an UFA QB.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
they had 3 Centers
Anew guy who beat out the vet and this guy
still, any time a player is cut
means he has serious flaws in his game, however, that being said, he’s obviously better than Procter, so it’s an upgrade.
In Romo we Trust
STOP!!!
You’re digging through a trash can and arguing whether the moldy thigh bone or the rancid leg bone tastes better…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
hmm, moldy thigh bone or rancid leg bone. . .
I could go either way if there’s some good gravy to go with.
I haven’t read what we’re paying Preston, but it may not preclude signing a veteran for depth after the season starts.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
Ok then,
I guess the Cowboys think Preston’s their backup.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
Is that a french dish dunk?
Sounds like something they would come up with
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Dave...
…I heard you on AM 1300 The Zone here in Austin a few days ago with “The Voice of the Longhorns,” Craig Way.
Good Cowboys analysis. God knows, just about everyone other than Craig(Who’s very smart and intelligent) on The Zone are morons regarding football, especially the Cowboys. You’d think they’d get more knowledgeable people considering Austin is still Cowboys country.
Thanks again, and keep it up. I’ve referred this site to many many friends and given the high quality of the site, will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future.
Thanks...
That one came out of the blue but was happy to do it. Glad you enjoyed it. And THANKS for referring the blog to Cowboys fans you know. We truly appreciate that.
BTW, Raul reminded me to put up a link to the Friday show we’ll be on throughout the season. It’s in the left-hand bar, you guys can listen online.
by Dave Halprin on Aug 26, 2009 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the sports radio jocks like to rub the fans the wrong way at times to get people to listen in, it does not always work if you are constantly
playing the bad cop. Both 1230 and 760 here in corpus have guys that are negative on the boys but I listen to 760 because that show in the afternoon will have some positive perspectives mixed with reality but they still breakout the sharp stick and I will still listen anyway. But the 1230 show is all bad cop, the same tune no new perspective and it just turns me off to the program, and I can tell that he is blatantly baiting cowboys fans to call in, he likes getting the overzealous fans that cannot make a cognizant point and just picks them apart.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Vertical Out-of-Bounds
How about the NFL set the height for the playing area, and all non-football hardware has to be above that limit. Kicks that go beyond and strike hardware are considered out-of-bounds or treated as a touchback.
The league specifies the horizontal field of play, why not add a vertical dimension to the rules.
Just a thought.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Unless the other team was kicking out of their own enzone
that would give them an 80 yard kick
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Imagine trying to spot that!
They had to review the tape the other night to make sure it hit. They are busy watching the players
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 26, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Hitting it from the end zone
might be a trick, though. And risky to go for big height and short distance from your own end. What if you don’t quite hit it?
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Don't raise the screen,
lower the field 10 ft,
it already is below ground level, I believe
maybe Jerry fills it with water during the off-season and re-enacts naval battles in it ;) Overheard on the jumbojerrytron: “You sank my BATTLESHIP!”
this is hilarious!!!
I pictured Jerry on some pirate ship, the crew all rough looking, and Jerry wandering the decks in his suit.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Blogging The Boys
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Things to know about NFL men who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam
- How Kyle Orton almost cost the Colts Andrew Luck
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
